SlideShare una empresa de Scribd logo
1 de 29
Roth IRA Conversions 2010 New Opportunities for 2010
Introduction to Roth IRAs Contributions are made on an after-tax basis There’s no up-front tax benefit Qualified distributions are entirely free from federal income tax New rules for 2010 Caution: Different rules may apply for state tax purposes
Traditional IRA vs. Roth IRA Traditional IRA Roth IRA Can make annual contribution if age 70½ and have compensation Deductible contributions depend on income, filing status, and coverage by retirement plan Can make after-tax (nondeductible) contributions Distributions subject to federal income tax, except for after-tax contributions  Distributions prior to age 59½ may be subject to additional 10% penalty tax Distributions required after 70½ Funds grow tax deferred ,[object Object]
Ability to contribute depends on income level and filing status
All contributions are after-tax (no up-front deduction)
Qualified distributions are entirely free from federal income taxes
For nonqualified distributions, earnings subject to federal income tax and 10% penalty tax may apply if under age 59½
No lifetime required distributions
Funds grow tax deferred/tax-free,[object Object]
Roth Qualified Distributions: The Five-Year Holding Period Five-year holding period begins on the first day of the tax year for which you first establish ANY Roth IRA Five-year holding period ends after five calendar years Applies to your beneficiaries after your death as well  Spouse beneficiary can roll over to own Roth IRA or treat your Roth IRA as his or her own. In either case, the five-year holding period begins on the earlier of: January 1 of tax year your spouse first established any Roth IRA, or January 1 of tax year you first established any Roth IRA Period begins on January 1 of first taxyear ,[object Object]
If contribute to first Roth IRA on April 15, 2011, and designate contribution for 2010, five-year holding period begins on January 1, 2010,[object Object]
Qualified Distributions - Example 2 Age 35 Establish first Roth IRA on June 1, 2010, by making a rollover from a 401(k) plan to the Roth IRA Must have qualifying event AND satisfy five-year holding period Five-year holding period begins January 1, 2010 Five-year holding period ends December 31, 2014 Tax-free qualified withdrawals available from this Roth IRA, and any other Roth IRA you own: In 2034, after you attain age 59½ After December 31, 2014, if you become disabled or die* After December 31, 2014, if you have first-time homebuyer expenses (up to $10,000 lifetime from all IRAs)* Qual event 59 ½ in 2034  5-year period starts 1/1/10 5 year ends 12/31/14 Est first Roth  IRA 6/31/10 Tax-free dist *Tax-free dist after 12/31/14
Qualified Distributions - Example 3 You inherit a Roth IRA from your mother in 2010 Your mother established her first Roth IRA in 2007 by making a regular annual contribution Must have qualifying event AND satisfy five-year holding period Qualifying event is your mother’s death Five-year holding period begins January 1, 2007 Five-year holding period ends December 31, 2011 Tax-free qualified withdrawals are available from the inherited Roth IRA anytime after December 31, 2011 Qual. event in 2010 mother’s death  5-year period starts 1/1/07 5-year period ends 12/31/11 Tax-free dist after 12/31/11 Mother  est. first Roth  IRA in 2007
Nonqualified Roth Distributions Nonqualified distribution: You haven’t satisfied the five-year holding period or you don’t have a qualifying event ,[object Object]
Your contributions come out first
Taxable earnings come out last
Earnings are subject to income tax, and 10% penalty tax unless exception applies,[object Object]
Converting a Traditional IRA to a Roth IRA Taxed at conversion as if you took a withdrawal (but 10% early distribution does not apply) Trade off immediate taxation for possibility of tax-free qualified distributions in future You can also convert SIMPLE IRAs (after two-year waiting period) and SEP IRAs to Roth IRAs
Ways to Convert a Traditional IRA to a Roth IRA Rollover Trustee-to-trustee transfer Same-trustee transfer
Calculating the Conversion Taxes Taxed as if you took a withdrawal from the traditional IRA 10% penalty tax doesn’t apply (but may be recaptured if you make a nonqualified withdrawal from your Roth IRA within five years of any conversion)
Calculating the Conversion Taxes Only deductible contributions and earnings If you’ve made only deductible contributions to your traditional IRAs, then the entire amount you convert is  subject to income tax. IRA = Fully taxable conversion
Calculating the Conversion Taxes TAXABLE Deductible contributions and earnings NONTAXABLE Non-deductible contributions If you’ve made nondeductible (after-tax) contributions to your traditional IRA, any distribution consists of pro-rata amount of taxable and nontaxable dollars Can’t just convert nontaxable dollars in a traditional IRA for tax-free conversion IRA
Calculating the Conversion Taxes IRA #1 TAXABLE Deductible contributions and earnings TAXABLE Deductible contributions and earnings TAXABLE Deductible contributions and earnings   IRA #2 NONTAXABLE Non-deductible contributions NONTAXABLE Non-deductible contributions NONTAXABLE Non-deductible contributions IRA IRA Must aggregate all traditional IRAs you own, including SEP and SIMPLE IRAs, when calculating the taxable amount of a withdrawal or conversion
Calculating the Conversion Taxes Deductible contributions and earnings Non-deductible contributions $100,000 $20,000 Traditional  IRA #1 Traditional IRA #2 ,[object Object]
First aggregate all traditional IRAs = $120,000 total balance
Then determine taxable percentage = 83⅓% ($100,000/$120,000)
Then calculate taxable portion of IRA conversion = $16,666 ($20,000 x 83⅓%),[object Object]
Special Deferral Rule for 2010 Special rule applies only to conversions in 2010 Can report half of the conversion income on your 2011 federal income tax return, and the other half on your 2012 tax return Or can report all of the income in 2010
Special Deferral Rule for 2010 Deductible contributions and earnings 2011 Tax Return $125,000 IRA 2010 Tax Return $250,000 $250,000 = OR 2012 Tax Return $125,000 ,[object Object]

Más contenido relacionado

La actualidad más candente

Income Tax Savings for Individuals
Income Tax Savings for IndividualsIncome Tax Savings for Individuals
Income Tax Savings for IndividualsDecosimoCPAs
 
Required Minimum Distributions
Required Minimum DistributionsRequired Minimum Distributions
Required Minimum DistributionsDerek Finney
 
Self employment tax-2021
Self employment tax-2021Self employment tax-2021
Self employment tax-2021FinnKevin
 
Essentials Of 403 B Plans Foreducators
Essentials Of 403 B Plans ForeducatorsEssentials Of 403 B Plans Foreducators
Essentials Of 403 B Plans Foreducatorselektra411
 
Accountants in new york
Accountants in new yorkAccountants in new york
Accountants in new yorkPaolo Soro
 
Opportunities and Pitfalls:IRA, 401k, Roth IRA: Society of California Account...
Opportunities and Pitfalls:IRA, 401k, Roth IRA: Society of California Account...Opportunities and Pitfalls:IRA, 401k, Roth IRA: Society of California Account...
Opportunities and Pitfalls:IRA, 401k, Roth IRA: Society of California Account...Harry Rubins
 
Opportunities & Pitfalls for Inheriting IRA, 401k & Roth-IRA: Sonoma County B...
Opportunities & Pitfallsfor InheritingIRA, 401k & Roth-IRA:Sonoma County B...Opportunities & Pitfallsfor InheritingIRA, 401k & Roth-IRA:Sonoma County B...
Opportunities & Pitfalls for Inheriting IRA, 401k & Roth-IRA: Sonoma County B...Harry Rubins
 
2013 2014 tax planning for individuals
2013 2014 tax planning for individuals2013 2014 tax planning for individuals
2013 2014 tax planning for individualsNexus Financial
 
Canada's Tax System
Canada's Tax SystemCanada's Tax System
Canada's Tax SystemNAMI TAHERI
 
Corporate Income Tax in Singapore
Corporate Income Tax in SingaporeCorporate Income Tax in Singapore
Corporate Income Tax in SingaporeOSOME
 
Income tax return after 31st july, 2013 pros cons
Income tax return after 31st july, 2013  pros consIncome tax return after 31st july, 2013  pros cons
Income tax return after 31st july, 2013 pros consProglobalcorp India
 
How payroll people can help their staff with pensions
How payroll people can help their staff with pensionsHow payroll people can help their staff with pensions
How payroll people can help their staff with pensionsHenry Tapper
 
Roth Conversion
Roth ConversionRoth Conversion
Roth Conversionmichnoel
 
Personal income tax in canada
Personal income tax in canadaPersonal income tax in canada
Personal income tax in canadaNAMI TAHERI
 
Well Fargo 2010 Tax Planning Tables
Well Fargo 2010 Tax Planning TablesWell Fargo 2010 Tax Planning Tables
Well Fargo 2010 Tax Planning Tablesnypaul61
 
Factors to Consider When Unwinding a Roth Conversion
Factors to Consider When Unwinding a Roth ConversionFactors to Consider When Unwinding a Roth Conversion
Factors to Consider When Unwinding a Roth ConversionRobertWBaird
 

La actualidad más candente (20)

Income Tax Savings for Individuals
Income Tax Savings for IndividualsIncome Tax Savings for Individuals
Income Tax Savings for Individuals
 
Required Minimum Distributions
Required Minimum DistributionsRequired Minimum Distributions
Required Minimum Distributions
 
Self employment tax-2021
Self employment tax-2021Self employment tax-2021
Self employment tax-2021
 
Essentials Of 403 B Plans Foreducators
Essentials Of 403 B Plans ForeducatorsEssentials Of 403 B Plans Foreducators
Essentials Of 403 B Plans Foreducators
 
RG146 Pocket Guide
RG146 Pocket GuideRG146 Pocket Guide
RG146 Pocket Guide
 
Accountants in new york
Accountants in new yorkAccountants in new york
Accountants in new york
 
Opportunities and Pitfalls:IRA, 401k, Roth IRA: Society of California Account...
Opportunities and Pitfalls:IRA, 401k, Roth IRA: Society of California Account...Opportunities and Pitfalls:IRA, 401k, Roth IRA: Society of California Account...
Opportunities and Pitfalls:IRA, 401k, Roth IRA: Society of California Account...
 
Opportunities & Pitfalls for Inheriting IRA, 401k & Roth-IRA: Sonoma County B...
Opportunities & Pitfallsfor InheritingIRA, 401k & Roth-IRA:Sonoma County B...Opportunities & Pitfallsfor InheritingIRA, 401k & Roth-IRA:Sonoma County B...
Opportunities & Pitfalls for Inheriting IRA, 401k & Roth-IRA: Sonoma County B...
 
2013 2014 tax planning for individuals
2013 2014 tax planning for individuals2013 2014 tax planning for individuals
2013 2014 tax planning for individuals
 
Canada's Tax System
Canada's Tax SystemCanada's Tax System
Canada's Tax System
 
Corporate Income Tax in Singapore
Corporate Income Tax in SingaporeCorporate Income Tax in Singapore
Corporate Income Tax in Singapore
 
Income tax return after 31st july, 2013 pros cons
Income tax return after 31st july, 2013  pros consIncome tax return after 31st july, 2013  pros cons
Income tax return after 31st july, 2013 pros cons
 
Chapter 1
Chapter 1Chapter 1
Chapter 1
 
Taxation System in Canada
Taxation System in Canada Taxation System in Canada
Taxation System in Canada
 
How payroll people can help their staff with pensions
How payroll people can help their staff with pensionsHow payroll people can help their staff with pensions
How payroll people can help their staff with pensions
 
Roth Conversion
Roth ConversionRoth Conversion
Roth Conversion
 
Personal income tax in canada
Personal income tax in canadaPersonal income tax in canada
Personal income tax in canada
 
Well Fargo 2010 Tax Planning Tables
Well Fargo 2010 Tax Planning TablesWell Fargo 2010 Tax Planning Tables
Well Fargo 2010 Tax Planning Tables
 
Factors to Consider When Unwinding a Roth Conversion
Factors to Consider When Unwinding a Roth ConversionFactors to Consider When Unwinding a Roth Conversion
Factors to Consider When Unwinding a Roth Conversion
 
401k Decay
401k Decay401k Decay
401k Decay
 

Similar a Roth Ira Conversions 2010

2010 Roth Ira Conversion Considerations
2010 Roth Ira Conversion Considerations2010 Roth Ira Conversion Considerations
2010 Roth Ira Conversion Considerationsjweber14
 
The Rush To Roth Conversion 2010 Final
The Rush To Roth Conversion 2010 FinalThe Rush To Roth Conversion 2010 Final
The Rush To Roth Conversion 2010 Finalbrucebirke
 
2016 - My best tax planning ideas
2016 - My best tax planning ideas2016 - My best tax planning ideas
2016 - My best tax planning ideasBrian T. Whitlock
 
Surprising Facts of Roth IRAs
Surprising Facts of Roth IRAsSurprising Facts of Roth IRAs
Surprising Facts of Roth IRAsMichael Aloi
 
2011 Tax Tips from O'Sullivan Creel
2011 Tax Tips from O'Sullivan Creel2011 Tax Tips from O'Sullivan Creel
2011 Tax Tips from O'Sullivan CreelO'Sullivan Creel
 
2010 important information and deadlines
2010 important information and deadlines2010 important information and deadlines
2010 important information and deadlinesBennett Gordon Cfa Cfp
 
Concepts of taxation
Concepts of taxation Concepts of taxation
Concepts of taxation sarahobaidee
 
RETIREMENT PLANNING-RRSP AND TFSA:STRATEGIES FOR INVESTMENT
RETIREMENT PLANNING-RRSP AND TFSA:STRATEGIES  FOR INVESTMENTRETIREMENT PLANNING-RRSP AND TFSA:STRATEGIES  FOR INVESTMENT
RETIREMENT PLANNING-RRSP AND TFSA:STRATEGIES FOR INVESTMENTNAMI TAHERI
 
Roth Ira Conversions
Roth Ira ConversionsRoth Ira Conversions
Roth Ira Conversionsbeaufishing
 
The different types of individual retirement account
The different types of individual retirement accountThe different types of individual retirement account
The different types of individual retirement accountEd Baxter
 
Year-End Tax Planning and Financial Planning Ideas - Dec. 2011
Year-End Tax Planning and Financial Planning Ideas - Dec. 2011Year-End Tax Planning and Financial Planning Ideas - Dec. 2011
Year-End Tax Planning and Financial Planning Ideas - Dec. 2011RobertWBaird
 
IntroductionComment by Exploring Series This is listed as a Head.docx
IntroductionComment by Exploring Series This is listed as a Head.docxIntroductionComment by Exploring Series This is listed as a Head.docx
IntroductionComment by Exploring Series This is listed as a Head.docxvrickens
 
Year end tax issues 2010 cl approved
Year end tax issues 2010 cl approvedYear end tax issues 2010 cl approved
Year end tax issues 2010 cl approvedBennett Jay-Gordon
 
Converting Traditional Into Roth Ir As
Converting Traditional Into Roth Ir AsConverting Traditional Into Roth Ir As
Converting Traditional Into Roth Ir Asjamesosims
 

Similar a Roth Ira Conversions 2010 (20)

2010 Roth Ira Conversion Considerations
2010 Roth Ira Conversion Considerations2010 Roth Ira Conversion Considerations
2010 Roth Ira Conversion Considerations
 
The Rush To Roth Conversion 2010 Final
The Rush To Roth Conversion 2010 FinalThe Rush To Roth Conversion 2010 Final
The Rush To Roth Conversion 2010 Final
 
2016 Roth Account Guide
2016 Roth Account Guide2016 Roth Account Guide
2016 Roth Account Guide
 
2016 - My best tax planning ideas
2016 - My best tax planning ideas2016 - My best tax planning ideas
2016 - My best tax planning ideas
 
A2021010800010.pptx
A2021010800010.pptxA2021010800010.pptx
A2021010800010.pptx
 
2015-year end tax report
2015-year end tax report2015-year end tax report
2015-year end tax report
 
Surprising Facts of Roth IRAs
Surprising Facts of Roth IRAsSurprising Facts of Roth IRAs
Surprising Facts of Roth IRAs
 
2018 IRA Contribution Limit Guide
2018 IRA Contribution Limit Guide2018 IRA Contribution Limit Guide
2018 IRA Contribution Limit Guide
 
B Bootcamp vol. 1
B Bootcamp vol. 1B Bootcamp vol. 1
B Bootcamp vol. 1
 
2011 Tax Tips from O'Sullivan Creel
2011 Tax Tips from O'Sullivan Creel2011 Tax Tips from O'Sullivan Creel
2011 Tax Tips from O'Sullivan Creel
 
2010 important information and deadlines
2010 important information and deadlines2010 important information and deadlines
2010 important information and deadlines
 
Concepts of taxation
Concepts of taxation Concepts of taxation
Concepts of taxation
 
RETIREMENT PLANNING-RRSP AND TFSA:STRATEGIES FOR INVESTMENT
RETIREMENT PLANNING-RRSP AND TFSA:STRATEGIES  FOR INVESTMENTRETIREMENT PLANNING-RRSP AND TFSA:STRATEGIES  FOR INVESTMENT
RETIREMENT PLANNING-RRSP AND TFSA:STRATEGIES FOR INVESTMENT
 
Roth Ira Conversions
Roth Ira ConversionsRoth Ira Conversions
Roth Ira Conversions
 
The different types of individual retirement account
The different types of individual retirement accountThe different types of individual retirement account
The different types of individual retirement account
 
Roth 2010
Roth 2010Roth 2010
Roth 2010
 
Year-End Tax Planning and Financial Planning Ideas - Dec. 2011
Year-End Tax Planning and Financial Planning Ideas - Dec. 2011Year-End Tax Planning and Financial Planning Ideas - Dec. 2011
Year-End Tax Planning and Financial Planning Ideas - Dec. 2011
 
IntroductionComment by Exploring Series This is listed as a Head.docx
IntroductionComment by Exploring Series This is listed as a Head.docxIntroductionComment by Exploring Series This is listed as a Head.docx
IntroductionComment by Exploring Series This is listed as a Head.docx
 
Year end tax issues 2010 cl approved
Year end tax issues 2010 cl approvedYear end tax issues 2010 cl approved
Year end tax issues 2010 cl approved
 
Converting Traditional Into Roth Ir As
Converting Traditional Into Roth Ir AsConverting Traditional Into Roth Ir As
Converting Traditional Into Roth Ir As
 

Roth Ira Conversions 2010

  • 1. Roth IRA Conversions 2010 New Opportunities for 2010
  • 2. Introduction to Roth IRAs Contributions are made on an after-tax basis There’s no up-front tax benefit Qualified distributions are entirely free from federal income tax New rules for 2010 Caution: Different rules may apply for state tax purposes
  • 3.
  • 4. Ability to contribute depends on income level and filing status
  • 5. All contributions are after-tax (no up-front deduction)
  • 6. Qualified distributions are entirely free from federal income taxes
  • 7. For nonqualified distributions, earnings subject to federal income tax and 10% penalty tax may apply if under age 59½
  • 8. No lifetime required distributions
  • 9.
  • 10.
  • 11.
  • 12. Qualified Distributions - Example 2 Age 35 Establish first Roth IRA on June 1, 2010, by making a rollover from a 401(k) plan to the Roth IRA Must have qualifying event AND satisfy five-year holding period Five-year holding period begins January 1, 2010 Five-year holding period ends December 31, 2014 Tax-free qualified withdrawals available from this Roth IRA, and any other Roth IRA you own: In 2034, after you attain age 59½ After December 31, 2014, if you become disabled or die* After December 31, 2014, if you have first-time homebuyer expenses (up to $10,000 lifetime from all IRAs)* Qual event 59 ½ in 2034 5-year period starts 1/1/10 5 year ends 12/31/14 Est first Roth IRA 6/31/10 Tax-free dist *Tax-free dist after 12/31/14
  • 13. Qualified Distributions - Example 3 You inherit a Roth IRA from your mother in 2010 Your mother established her first Roth IRA in 2007 by making a regular annual contribution Must have qualifying event AND satisfy five-year holding period Qualifying event is your mother’s death Five-year holding period begins January 1, 2007 Five-year holding period ends December 31, 2011 Tax-free qualified withdrawals are available from the inherited Roth IRA anytime after December 31, 2011 Qual. event in 2010 mother’s death 5-year period starts 1/1/07 5-year period ends 12/31/11 Tax-free dist after 12/31/11 Mother est. first Roth IRA in 2007
  • 14.
  • 17.
  • 18. Converting a Traditional IRA to a Roth IRA Taxed at conversion as if you took a withdrawal (but 10% early distribution does not apply) Trade off immediate taxation for possibility of tax-free qualified distributions in future You can also convert SIMPLE IRAs (after two-year waiting period) and SEP IRAs to Roth IRAs
  • 19. Ways to Convert a Traditional IRA to a Roth IRA Rollover Trustee-to-trustee transfer Same-trustee transfer
  • 20. Calculating the Conversion Taxes Taxed as if you took a withdrawal from the traditional IRA 10% penalty tax doesn’t apply (but may be recaptured if you make a nonqualified withdrawal from your Roth IRA within five years of any conversion)
  • 21. Calculating the Conversion Taxes Only deductible contributions and earnings If you’ve made only deductible contributions to your traditional IRAs, then the entire amount you convert is subject to income tax. IRA = Fully taxable conversion
  • 22. Calculating the Conversion Taxes TAXABLE Deductible contributions and earnings NONTAXABLE Non-deductible contributions If you’ve made nondeductible (after-tax) contributions to your traditional IRA, any distribution consists of pro-rata amount of taxable and nontaxable dollars Can’t just convert nontaxable dollars in a traditional IRA for tax-free conversion IRA
  • 23. Calculating the Conversion Taxes IRA #1 TAXABLE Deductible contributions and earnings TAXABLE Deductible contributions and earnings TAXABLE Deductible contributions and earnings IRA #2 NONTAXABLE Non-deductible contributions NONTAXABLE Non-deductible contributions NONTAXABLE Non-deductible contributions IRA IRA Must aggregate all traditional IRAs you own, including SEP and SIMPLE IRAs, when calculating the taxable amount of a withdrawal or conversion
  • 24.
  • 25. First aggregate all traditional IRAs = $120,000 total balance
  • 26. Then determine taxable percentage = 83⅓% ($100,000/$120,000)
  • 27.
  • 28. Special Deferral Rule for 2010 Special rule applies only to conversions in 2010 Can report half of the conversion income on your 2011 federal income tax return, and the other half on your 2012 tax return Or can report all of the income in 2010
  • 29.
  • 30. Can report $125,000 on 2011 return, and $125,000 on 2012 return
  • 31.
  • 32. Converting Employer Plan Dollars to a Roth IRA Eligible distributions from 401(k), 403(b), 457(b), and qualified plans can be rolled over to traditional or Roth IRA Your employer will identify an eligible rollover distribution Amounts rolled over to a Roth IRA are taxed except for any after-tax contributions Rollovers to a Roth IRA in 2010 are eligible for special 2010 deferral rule Beginning in 2010 anyone can roll over to a Roth IRA, regardless of income limits or marital status--even non-spouse beneficiaries Rollovers from employer plans can be complicated, and can have serious tax implications
  • 33. Using the New Rules to Fund Annual Roth Contributions You can contribute up to $5,000 to a Roth IRA in 2010 Individuals age 50 or older can make additional “catch up” contribution of $1,000 Annual contributions may be limited depending on income level and filing status:
  • 34. Using the New Rules to Fund Annual Roth Contributions Even if you can’t contribute to a Roth IRA because of the income limits, you can contribute to a traditional IRA if you’re under age 70½ Anyone can convert a traditional IRA to a Roth beginning in 2010, regardless of income or marital status You can make nondeductible contributions initially to a traditional IRA Convert that traditional IRA to a Roth Remember to aggregate your traditional IRAs when calculating tax Traditional IRA Roth IRA First contribute to: Then convert to: Up to $5,000 in 2010 ($6,000 if age 50 or older)
  • 35. Is a Roth Conversion Right For You?
  • 36. Is a Roth Conversion Right For You?.
  • 37. What if a Conversion Doesn’t Work Out? “Recharacterize!” You may be able to undo, or “recharacterize,” a conversion by carefully following IRS rules Deadline is due date for filing your tax return for year of conversion, plus extensions For example, you generally have until October 15, 2011, to undo a 2010 conversion Assets are transferred to traditional IRA; treated for tax purposes as if Roth conversion never occurred Can convert traditional IRA back to a Roth after waiting period, which can be as short as thirty days.
  • 38. Conclusion I would welcome the opportunity to meet individually with each of you to address any specific concerns or questions that you may have.
  • 39. Disclaimer Forefield Inc. does not provide legal, tax, or investment advice. All content provided by Forefield is protected by copyright. Forefield is not responsible for any modifications made to its materials, or for the accuracy of information provided by other sources.

Notas del editor

  1. So, now that we’ve covered how Roth IRAs work, how do you participate in this Roth revolution? There are three primary ways to fund a Roth IRA. <CLICK> The first is by making regular annual contributions, if you qualify based on your earnings. <CLICK> The second is by rolling over an eligible distribution from an employer retirement plan, like a 401(k), to a Roth IRA. <CLICK> The third way is by converting a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA. We’ll talk about the first two methods later on. But for now, let’s focus on conversions. <CLICK> 
  2. A conversion lets you turn your traditional IRA into a Roth IRA. <CLICK>When you convert your traditional IRA to a Roth IRA, you’re taxed as if you took a withdrawal equal to the amount of the conversion. So by converting, you’ll accelerate the taxation of your traditional IRA. <CLICK> Why would you want to do this? Again, as we discussed earlier, you trade off paying taxes now with the hope and expectation that later distributions from your Roth IRA will be qualified, and therefore tax-free.<CLICK> When we talk about conversions, the term “traditional IRA” also includes SEP IRAs and SIMPLE IRAs. You can convert these to Roth IRAs as well, but for SIMPLE IRAs you’ll have to satisfy a two-year waiting period before you can convert to a Roth. <CLICK>
  3. Before 2010, you weren't able to convert a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA if your income exceeded $100,000, or you were married and filed separate federal income tax returns. <CLICK> Thanks to recent changes in federal law, however, anyone can convert a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA beginning in 2010, without regard to income limits or marital status.There is one important exception: if you inherit a traditional IRA, you can't convert that inherited IRA to a Roth. However, special rules apply to spouse beneficiaries. If you are the surviving spouse and you inherit a traditional IRA, you can roll those funds into your own traditional IRA, and then make a Roth conversion. If you are the surviving spouse and sole beneficiary, you can also treat the inherited IRA as your own, and then make a conversion.<CLICK>
  4. The third way way to fund a Roth IRA is simply by making annual contributions to the account. <CLICK> You can contribute up to $5,000 to a traditional IRA or Roth IRA, or to a combination of both, in 2010. <CLICK> The limit is $6,000 if you're age 50 or older.<CLICK> But your ability to make annual contributions to a Roth IRA depends on your earnings, specifically the amount of your modified adjusted gross income. These limits have not been repealed. So if you’re a high-income taxpayer, your ability to make annual contributions to a Roth IRA may still be reduced, or even eliminated. <CLICK>
  5. But even if the income limits prohibit you from making annual contributions directly to a Roth IRA, you can still accomplish the same result by using the new liberal conversion rules. This is how it would work: <CLICK> Anyone younger than age 70½ can make nondeductible contributions to a traditional IRA, regardless of income, marital status, or participation in an employer retirement plan. The only requirement is that youhave compensation for the year at least equal to the amount of your contribution. And as we know, virtually anyone can convert a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA beginning in 2010.<CLIICK> So you would make your annual contribution initially to a traditional IRA. <CLICK> You can then immediately convert the traditional IRA to a Roth, using the new liberal conversion rules.<CLICK> But remember, you’ll need to aggregate all your traditional IRAs when you calculate the taxable portion of the conversion.<CLICK>
  6. Well, that brings us to the end of our presentation. I hope you’ve found this information helpful as you consider the new Roth conversion opportunities for 2010.Thank you for your time. You’ve been a wonderful audience. I would welcome the opportunity to meet individually with each of you to address any specific concerns or questions that you may have.